GOLD No.1: Splash And Dash Success Gets Australia Underway 

There was extra reason for Tom Gallagher to enjoy his moment on the podium after winning Australia’s first gold medal of the Paris Paralympic Games, in the 50 metres freestyle S10. 

At his debut Games in Tokyo, Gallagher didn’t get to experience the medal ceremony he had earned with his third-place finish in the 400 metres freestyle S10. He suffered a severe medical episode and was rushed to hospital, where he would stay for two weeks before being repatriated by Medivac.  

This time, driven partly by his intra-team sprinting rivalry with six-time Paralympic medallist Rowan Crothers, Gallagher steamed home in the splash and dash to win gold in a time of 23.40s. 

“On the podium, I had Rowan next to me, of course, and I just tried to enjoy the moment,” Gallagher said later.  

“I was really happy with myself that I could actually just sit there, enjoy the anthem… I’ve earned it, all the training’s paid off and I know everyone at home and everyone in the stands is proud of me. I just really enjoyed the moment for once. 

“Everything happens for a reason. The bad makes the good feel better.” 

Enjoyed this read? Recap Gold Medal No.2 here

By: David Sygall

Published: 27 December 2024